Hot tapping on gas pipework
Client: Transcontinental AC UK Ltd
The problem:
Manufacturing plant Transcontinental required a new gas installation to supply three burners.
A new 4” branch of their 4” gas main was required to feed the new burners.
To avoid disruption it was not desirable to disconnect the gas in order to purge out the gas and install a new tee whilst the system was off.
Therefore our specialist hot tapping contractors were called in to perform a live tapping on the gas pipework and avoid any costly downtime.
The solution:
Our commercial gas engineers first used an abrasive wheel to rid the pipework of paint.
This allows for a clean surface to weld onto and provides an accurate ultrasonic thickness test.
After confirming the mild steel pipe was above the minimum level of 3.2mm, the saddle was positioned and welded onto the main.
A full-bore gate valve suitable for gas was then attached.
We then tested the integrity of the weld and valve by pressuring the connection to 3bar.
Upon the successful pressure test, the live tapping drill was then bolted to the valve.
Once the drilling was complete a safety blank was fitted.
Tasks Involved:
Live tapping on 4” mild steel pipework
Commercial pipework
Welding